I received free admission in exchange for promotion. All opinions expressed belong to me.

Calling all train lovers! A family favorite is steaming into downtown Lansing — Trains: Full STEAM Ahead at Impression 5 will be on display through April 8, 2018.

If it has been awhile since you’ve visited this hands-on spot, now may be a great time to pop in and see what’s new.

I’ve blogged about Impression 5 many times and why there are plenty of reasons to love this interactive science space geared toward kids, ages 0-10.

Trains: Full STEAM Ahead is just one more reason to love I5! This massive exhibit showcases a fully functioning HO scale model train network. The amount of detail poured into this is sure to impress all ages.

The exhibit also features wooden and electric train sets for train-loving tots to run and explore, along with a climbable engine and tender. Train enthusiasts will also love the artifacts displayed throughout.

The exhibit is made possible by the Capital Area Railway Society, whose club members combine their individual train modules to create a stunning and intricate system for guests to explore in this rare setup you won’t see anywhere else.

Make sure to ask the folks inside the set-up questions; they sure know their stuff about trains. Such a neat hobby!

We had fun checking out the trains and spending time playing at the museum. I5 is always changing things, so it’s fun to visit often to see what’s new. Favorite spots this time included the newer FLOW water exhibit, and making and flying paper airplanes.

We also spent a lot of time building with the big foam blocks. I love that it’s a spot that keeps my crew — ages 3, 5 and 7 all happily playing!

The Chew On This exhibit is always a favorite as well, and it is back after spending some time at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. It’s neat to look at teeth through a microscope, grocery shop for smile-friendly foods, and more.

LOCATION & HOURS

I5 is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Nestled in an historic riverside warehouse in downtown Lansing, I5 is directly south of the Lansing Center on Museum Drive. There is limited free parking. If the dedicated lot is full, check out the parking under the bridge for affordable rates.

Address for GPS:
200 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI 48922

ADMISSION

Entry to Impression 5 is $8.50 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $8.50 for children ages 2 and up. Age 1 and under are free.

For extra savings, make sure to check out the membership options, which are affordable and offer reciprocal benefits to select museums across the state and country.

FOOD OPTIONS WHEN VISITING

There is a lunch area at the museum if you’d like to pack a peanut-free lunch to enjoy there. However, if you’d like to explore Lansing for some grub, a few of my favorite spots within a few miles of Impression 5 include: